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Ubaldo cleaning up throwing-arm mechanics

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Indians manager Terry Francona kept a watchful eye on starter Ubaldo Jimenez during his bullpen session during Saturday's workout. Francona came away impressed by what he witnessed.

"I was very happy," Francona said. "I thought he was a little bit more aggressive in his rhythm. He pounded down. I thought it was a really good day for him."

This spring, the plan is for Jimenez to focus on that rhythm, especially when it comes to his throwing-arm mechanics. Last season, the right-hander ran into issues when he extended his arm behind his body at the beginning of his delivery.

Jimenez studied video over the winter, worked hard on smoothing out his mechanics and is trying to return to the style that worked so well for him in the past.

Last season, Jimenez went 9-17 with a 5.40 ERA over 176 2/3 innings, leading the American League in losses and wild pitches (16), while piling up the second-highest walk total (95) in the league. His 17 losses were the most by a Cleveland pitcher since 1987, when Tom Candiotti had 18.

In the second half, Jimenez went 1-10 with a 6.99 ERA in 14 starts.

"Right now, with everybody, it's basically building arm strength," Francona said. "But with Ubaldo, it's trying to be as clean through his delivery, so he can throw the ball downhill where he wants to. I thought today he did a really good job of having a little more rhythm in his delivery."